Health risks from wildfire smoke

As the death toll rises and thousands of acres burn between California’s Camp Fire and Woolsey Fire, those residents lucky enough to escape the flames worry what consequences could result in inhaling the smoke.

What is in wildfire smoke?

According to the EPA, smoke emanating from forest and community fires may include any of the following:

Carbon dioxide, a respiratory byproduct

Carbon monoxide, which competes with oxygen in the blood

Wood particles

Formaldehyde

Acrolein – used as a pesticide

Benzene

Plastics, and those byproducts after incineration

and thousands of different respiratory irritants.

According to the EPA,

Smoke is composed primarily of carbon dioxide, water vapor, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, hydrocarbons and other organic chemicals, nitrogen oxides, trace minerals and severalthousand other compounds. The actual composition of smoke depends on the fuel type, the temperature of the fire, and the wind conditions. Different types of wood and vegetation arecomposed of varying amounts of cellulose, lignin, tannins and other polyphenolics, oils, fats, resins, waxes and starches, which produce different compounds when burned.

What symptoms may individuals experience?

Some may have no idea they are breathing in harmful compounds that could affect their lungs and heart. However, many may experience:

Wheeze

Cough

Difficulty Breathing

Chest Pain

Mucous Production

Dizziness/lightheadedness

Fatigue

Racing Heart (palpitations)

Exacerbation of their lung disease including COPD, asthma, chronic bronchitis

Exacerbation of heart conditions such as angina, heart attack, and cardiac arrhythmias.

Increased susceptibility to new lung infections as well as flu

What are PM2.5s?

PM2.5 are particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter that are present in pollution and wildfire smoke that can penetrate deeply into the lung linings. Larger, coarse particles 10 micrometers in diameter are called PM10. Both impair lung function as they inflame the lungs and interfere with the work of alveoli that need to oxygenate the blood. Moreover the small particles can use this pathway to enter the bloodstream. Although the direct health impacts of the fine particulate matter is not clearly defined it is believed that increased PM2.5 levels increase the risk of lung and heart disease as discussed above.

LUNGS AND ALVEOLI (IMAGE FROM THOUGHTCO.)

Symptoms may begin at levels greater than 55 µg/m3 .

Which individuals are the most at risk?

Infants and Children

Elderly individuals

Those with chronic lung disease, including asthma and emphysema

Those at risk for heart disease and stroke

Those with diabetes

Smokers

Pregnant women

Those with chronic allergies

Pets

How can residents protect themselves?

Avoiding the area of wildfires is paramount. Additionally, the following may be considered:

Avoid outdoors until air quality reports improve. Do not rely on how “clear” the air looks.

Take heed of wind and air quality advisories.

Recirculate the air in your home and car.

Keep windows closed.

Consult with your medical provider to monitor blood pressure, heart rhythm, lung function and refill any medications you may need BEFORE you feel symptoms.

Be wary of facemasks sold as PM2.5 safe as many do not protect against the very small particles. Respirator masks labelled N95 or N100 may provide SOME protection against particulates but not against the toxic fumes such as formaldehyde and acrolein.

Daliah Wachs is a guest contributor to GCN news, her views and opinions, medical or otherwise, if expressed, are her own. Doctor Wachs is an MD, FAAFP and a Board Certified Family Physician. The Dr. Daliah Show , is nationally syndicated M-F from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm and Saturday from Noon-1:00 pm (all central times) at GCN.